The Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) Abia State has condemned the unprofessional manner exhibited by a team of security agents led by an officer from FCID, Mr. Francise Atama, on a failed attempt to abduct its Chairman, Chief Promise Uzoma Okoro, Anipr, from his office in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

The condemnation comes as officers from the Federal Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, attempted to arrest the blogger at OMPAN State Headquarters, Eket Street, Umuahia, on the pretext of bringing a media job for the organization to publish.

In a statement signed by the General Secretary, Dr. Steve Unegbu, on behalf of the association, the union condemned the unprofessional behavior of the team while calling on the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission to take action and, if necessary, punish the officers for such a display of unprofessionalism.

“It is imperative to state that the association is not against security agents carrying out their professional duties, because OMPAN has over the years built strong synergies with the different security agencies. However, the unprofessionalism displayed by the team should be condemned by all stakeholders.”

The statement further said that the attempted arrest was allegedly instigated by a complaint from an unknown individual over an alleged defamation, even when there was no formal invitation or refusal to respond to a prior invitation.

“It is even worrisome that the team from Abuja invaded the state on that failed attempt to whisk away the media practitioner without informing the Abia State Police Command, which ordinarily should be aware of their presence in the state.”

“Security agencies must embody professionalism and respect for human rights when performing their professional duties.”

“It is pertinent to bring to the public notice that it is disconcerting that rather than challenging media publications alleged to be libelous in civil lawsuits, some individuals resort to using security agencies to arrest, harass, and intimidate journalists and bloggers for criticism and defamation.”

“It is appalling that an allegation of defamation, a civil matter, is being handled in such a manner, apparently because of the status of the individual involved,” the Secretary stated.

The statement further said that the Chairman of Online Media Practitioners in Abia State, Chief Promise Uzoma Okoro, will on Friday, December 13, 2024, address the matter and give further details.